Actress Annaleigh Ashford is back on stage for the first time since her Tony Award winning turn in "You Can't Take It With You." This time, the actress is playing a pooch in a revival of the Off-Broadway play "Sylvia." It just opened on Broadway at the Cort Theatre. NY1’s Roma Torre filed the following review.
If you are a dog person, you are likely to fall in love with "Sylvia.” However, Daniel Sullivan's production of A.R. Gurney's 1995 play is so warm and bitingly funny, you'd have to be an absolute Grinch to resist its immense charms.
Annaleigh Ashford, in the title role - a poodle/lab mix - has certainly displayed some mighty fine acting chops in recent years, but with this performance, she takes her place as a comedienne at the top of her class. And just as she dazzled us with her Tony winning performance in "You Can't Take It With You," it's her mastery of physical comedy that sets her apart.
Dog owners have long sensed that their pets are far more clued in than we give them credit. Just looking into their expressive eyes you can tell they are thinking something. A. R Gurney gives voice to those thoughts and he allows his human characters to converse freely with Sylvia. The conceit provides Ashford with an opportunity to go wild with her great talents and she certainly delivers.
As Sylvia's devoted master, Matthew Broderick is the same milquetoast character that he has played in practically every one of his roles in the past 15 years. Nevertheless, it sort of works here because he develops an existential obsession with Sylvia that almost costs him his marriage.
Julie White as his canine averse wife is terrific.
In addition, Robert Sella is howlingly hysterical in three supporting roles. Together, the “Sylvia” company will have you rolling in the aisles
When my dog Rocky heard I was going to see the show, he begged me for a ticket. Full disclosure: I snuck him in. Afterwards, he told me he had a ball. Well, he actually brought a ball, but he apparently had a great time too. He said, "Everyone should fetch a ticket, come, sit and stay to see “Sylvia” because it'll give you a new leash on life.”